Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman Genre: fantasy I read it as a(n): audiobook Narrator: Neil Gaiman Length: 6:29:00 Her Grace’s rating: 5 stars
In the beginning, there was Ymir. Things got weird from there.
A delightful, modern revision to the Norse Mythology canon. Neil Gaiman did a great job – can he do any other kind? – remaining true to the Eddas but also making the stories accessible and fun for modern audiences. This one has a special place in my heart since this is what he read to us the one time I got to see him live. I hope to see him read in person again someday.
EDIT: What the fuck, Neil Gaiman? I sincerely hope the allegations against you are false. Don’t be yet another reason why we choose the bear.
Lost Boy by Christina Henry Genre: fantasy I read it as a(n): audiobook Narrator: Samuel Roukin Length: 7:43:00 Her Grace’s rating: 5 stars
The story of Peter Pan as told through the eyes of the very first Lost Boy – James Hook. In this version, which was brilliantly narrated by Samuel Roukin, we see what life was like for the Lost Boys in Neverland, how they got there, and the strange little family they cobbled together for themselves.
Also, as I’ve said for years, Peter Pan is NOT a good creature.
This is one of my favorite books of 2024, I already know this.
You Feel It Just Below the Ribs by Jeffrey Cramor and Janina Matthewson Genre: SF I read it as a(n): audiobook Narrator: Kirstin Potter and Adepero Oduye Length: 9:22:00 Her Grace’s rating: 4 stars
In a not-too-distant future, after decades of global war that decimated society, a new approach was put into place. It was designed to prevent wars in the future by eliminating the bonds humans form with each other. There are no nations, no religions, no political parties, nothing that contributes to tribalism. Sounds just about perfect.
Oh yeah, they also eliminate families. Babies are given into care as soon as they’re born to be raised in government-run facilities. So nevermind about the utopian veneer.
Told through the found documents/journal of the woman who created this new theory of living, with footnotes from a scholar of the time.
In the dictionary next to “unreliable narrators” is a link to this book.
Ammonite by Nicola Griffith Genre: SF I read it as a(n): audiobook Narrator: Gabra Zuckman Length: 13:29:00 Her Grace’s rating: 3 stars
On a colony planet that has lost touch, a virus decimated the inhabitants, killing many of the women and every single man. The survivors were left to fend for themselves and adapt or die. Centuries later, folks back home want to reestablish contact so they can exploit the planet. But they’re scared of the virus and abandon the crews they sent to check things out. Included in that group is Marghe, an anthropologist sent to learn how the women on the planet have survived for so long without any men to procreate with. Her discoveries are…surprising.
Suuuuuper interesting story, still highly relevant even though this was written nearly 30 years ago. Narration was a little boring, though.
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